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ODESSA, Texas – A battle between the Heartland Conference’s seventh- and eighth-place teams took more than 100 minutes and two overtime periods to decide, as the University of Texas of the Permian Basin edged Texas A&M International with a golden goal in the 102 minute. The 1-0 victory lifted the Falcons to 2-9 and 1-1 in the Heartland while TAMIU fell to 2-7 (1-3 Heartland).
The game’s only goal came off the boots of Brooke Saxton when she chested down a cross from the assist-earning Sal Gebre inside the box. From the right side, Saxton settled the ball and shot to seal the home side’s victory. It was Saxton’s second strike of the season and Gebre’s team-leading fourth assist.
The Dustdevils manufactured little offense in the extra-time affair, placing just four shots on frame through the century of minutes. Paige Johnson, Karina Garcia, Sam Zerilli and Emily Behnke each took well-aimed shots, but UTPB goalkeeper Bridget Esquivel gloved all four saves.
Johnson fired four total shots, but only the one was placed accurately enough to cause the Falcons worry.
TAMIU keeper Christina Morales showcased her skill in net, allowing only the one goal while recording three saves. The Falcons offered few offensive threats, shooting only seven times – with only four on frame.
The two teams each received three bookings, with TAMIU taking a trio of cautions (Crystal Zapien 35th minute; team 56th minute; Zerilli 76th minute). The Falcons were booked with yellow cards in the 35th minute (Gebre), 56th minute (Skylar Bluebird), and a red-card ejection in the 76th minute (Jessica Saulter).
The Dustdevils will continue with a trio of road matches, starting with Lubbock Christian on Oct. 14 at 2:30 p.m. before facing Oklahoma Christian (Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.) and No. 14 Dallas Baptist (Oct. 21, 2:30 p.m.). TAMIU returns home for a non-conference game against the University of Texas at Brownsville on Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
